An Old Design Trick That All 20-Somethings Should Try

Feng Shui — a traditional Chinese home decor philosophy — may not be the sexiest topic. (Which is unfair, really, considering that when practiced correctly, it leads to better sex. Let’s see you compete with that, mid-century modern.) But we're especially interested in Feng Shui’s role in prosperity: How the ancient Chinese art of placement can help you save more, earn more, and just attract those money-bag-emoji vibes.

We turned to top designers to let us in on how they employ classic Feng Shui tactics to help their clients (and themselves) keep that money rolling in. From the free things you can start to do tonight to the types of pieces you should keep an eye out for on your next shopping trip, these tips are sure to help turn your home into a place that draws in the right kind of energy. We can’t promise they’ll bump you up into the next tax bracket, but don’t be surprised if all that furniture-rearranging unveils spare change hiding in sofa cushions and random $20 bills in coat pocketsMoving is the worst. And the best. It can signal a fresh start or a devastating end. Whatever your style, wherever you settle, at the end of day, the most important thing is you find a place to call home. Check out more from our Get The F Out moving package here.

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Photo: courtesy of Andrew Boyd for Dream Decor.

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Junk: Out. Success: In. How are you going to make room for all that cash when you’ve got old receipts, junk drawers, and unused kitchen equipment all around you? “A well-organized and tidy space aids a calming and relaxing mood in a room,” says Will Taylor, author of the Bright Bazaar blog and the book Dream Decor. “By clearing surfaces and keeping storage solutions — both visible and hidden — in an orderly manner, you’re clearing the mind to focus on everyday tasks.” Where to start: Your desk! “Organized desk drawers help you to find what you need, so you can get work tasks completed more efficiently,” explains Taylor. And that more efficient work flow can easily pave the way for a raise or extra time for a side hustle.

Photo: design by Consort, photographed by Joe Schmelzer.

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Let It GrowYes, houseplants and freshly-stocked vases full of flowers are great Instagram bait, but they serve a higher purpose as well. “Flowers and plants signal new growth to your subconscious — and a positive outlook that brings peace,” say Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone of Consort Design. Where to start: Whichever room is home to the most tech (living room with the big screen, laptop, and tablet, we’re looking at you). “Electronics can bring the energy of work, stress, and distraction to any room — plants are a great way to help activate positive energy and purify the air.”

Paint It RedNo, you don’t have to commit to red walls, but a few red accents in a room can go a long way in creating a vibrant and secure-feeling space. “Red is a stimulating color that captures one’s focus and reminds us of things that keep us safe — stop signs on roads, fire engines, and so on,” explains Taylor. “It's because of this recall that red brings about a feeling of security in a room.”Where to start: If you’re looking to bring red to the bedroom, go for a darker hue, like burgundy or maroon (“more cocooning and comforting,” says Taylor). If you’re thinking dining or living room, go with an orange-tinted red for a more upbeat vibe.

Photo: design by Kimberly Winthrop courtesy of Laurel & Wolf.

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Create A No-Work ZoneSounds counterintuitive, right? If you’re prepping your home to make you as rich as possible, shouldn’t every space be a "work" space? Not exactly. “The bedroom should be a place of rest, relaxation, and intimacy only,” says Laurel & Wolf designer Kimberly Winthrop. “A bedroom is not a room that you want to have a dual purpose, so no work areas. You should be turning off stress when you walk into your bedroom, not adding to it.”Where to start: Shut. The. Laptop. Move it from your nightstand into the living room. See? That was easy.

Photo: design by Consort, photographed by Mat Sanders.

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Hang A MirrorIt’s not vain; it serves a purpose. When you introduce mirrors to reflect your dining table, or other areas that signify abundance — plants, windows, your kitchen — you’re using decor to “grow” your assets. Sanders and Quattrone recommend thinking carefully before placing your mirror. “Make sure it’s hung with purpose, to reflect a serene view, an expansive part of the room, or even a window — to reflect more light and recirculate energy,” they explain.Where to start: At your dining table or favorite window. And no need to buy a new mirror here. We’re guessing you can locate one around the house that’s currently reflecting something less-than-inspiring. Move it!